, April 17, Asia-Plus - Tajikistan ’s law enforcement authorities consider that rebellious colonel Mahmoud Khudoiberdiyev is mastermind of murder of Major-General Hokimsho Hofizov, head of Tajikistan ’s Top Military Academy .  

Tajik Minister of Interiors Khumdin Sharipov remarked this today speaking to journalists in Dushanbe . 

According to him, three persons were involved in this crime.  “Two of them have already been detained,” said Khumdin Sharipov, “The investigation has established that the crime was committed by residents of the Qubodiyon district (Khatlon province) Komil Botirov and Komil Huseinov.”  The third one has managed to flee the country and is currently wanted by police, according to him.   

Speaking about masterminds of this crime, the minister named the rebellious colonel Mahmoud Khudoiberdiyev.  Sharipov also stressed that on completion of the investigation Tajik authorities would apply to official Tashkent requesting to hand over Mahmoud Khudoiberdiyev.     

            As it had been reported earlier, Major-General Hokimsho was shot and killed by unidentified assailants on January 27.  Hofizov was shot as he was leaving his home.